Cost of Living: Santa Rosa, CA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Santa Rosa is 202% more expensive than Evansville.

$2,084/mo ↑ 120%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 54%
$97,410/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 46%
$685,000 ↑ 431%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 81%
$2,130/mo ↑ 132%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 57%
177,216
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,135/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $13,620/year.

Median household income is $45,159/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Evansville — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Evansville?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $1,135/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Evansville?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $45,159/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Evansville

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow